I was a teen parent and had not been in school for a long time. I was taking online classes to receive a high school diploma at The Reengagement Center, thinking it was easier doing it online, but in reality it became harder and harder for me to focus. So I dropped out, moved to Framingham and started working. Five months later I moved to Worcester and decided to continue my education. I was hoping to enroll at Burncoat High School as a senior. Unfortunately, I did not have enough credits and would have to start in the 11th grade.

After finding daycare for my two year old, I heard about Training Resources of America’s (TRA) Young Parents Program (YPP) so I decided to check it out. The more I learned about the program, the more I felt like it could be a good fit for me.

I enrolled in the program, but it was a rough start for me. I had a hard time waking up every morning, and started coming into school really late or not coming at all. I was so tired of waking up every morning, trying to catch the bus on time, getting my son to school, then walking to YPP. My attendance at school was poor. One day, TRA-Worcester Manager Mike Quigley called me into his office and talked to me about the reasons for my attendance problems. I told him that I wanted to be done with school…that at 18 years of age, I should have been done with school. I told him that I just wanted to pass my High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) test so I could get a job. Mike was understanding and helpful. I feel like our conversation was a wake-up call. After that I started waking up and going to sleep earlier. I started staying at school for the full day. I became more and more excited I was doing a good job. I finally found a school I actually wanted to go to and learn. I understood things more. My YPP Teacher Leah Rodriguez is a great teacher! She teaches me things two ways, and one way is always easier for me. I was finally learning and understanding. The classes are not that big, and that is a positive because you can go at your own pace.

Being at TRA is now going great. I come in every morning ready to learn new things. I am taking the HiSET next week and I’m very excited! I think I am prepared. I think I will do just fine. Thanks to the people who have helped me. I learned a lot! It’s worth coming in every day. The more you’re here the more you learn the better you will do on the test. We have breaks during the day which is good. I come back from break prepared to learn. If I pass my HiSET I will find a job and return to my education in September. I want to take classes to become an E.M.T. and work in the medical field. I know I will be great! TRA will also be helping me with interview skills, making a resume, etc.

My experience at TRA overall is great! The teachers and staff are willing to work with you and help you achieve your goals. They’re great and push you to succeed. They help you become better and better at subjects. I recommend TRA’s YPP to any young parent. It’s great and you will understand everything clearer. TRA focuses on you and what you want to do with your education. If you’re a determined and hard working person and want to achieve, you would be perfect for this program.

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